The police in the UK have arrested eight men following the murder of Vignesh Pattabhiraman (36), an Indian restaurant manager in Reading, on February 14. Pattabhiraman was cycling home from work when he was hit and killed by a vehicle which then fled the scene. A murder investigation was launched and police arrested a 24-year-old man on suspicion of committing the murder. Seven other men aged 20, 21, 24, 27, 31, 41 and 48, all from Reading, were also arrested for assisting the offender. A police spokesperson said to TOI: “It is believed that the cyclist was also assaulted by an occupant of the vehicle, which then left the scene." All eight men remain in police custody.

US Deputy Secretary Richard Verma stated the US remains engaged with India regarding the alleged plot to kill Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Verma acknowledged India's serious approach and looks forward to the findings of the Indian committee investigating the matter. The murder-for-hire case, involving an Indian official and Nikhil Gupta, created bilateral tensions. Verma also praised India's role in securing the Red Sea, emphasizing the need for increased trade and security cooperation. The overall India-US relationship is surging forward, addressing complexities and shared responsibilities.

India extends its submarine rescue capabilities to friendly nations during the 'Milan 2024' Navy exercise. With only six nations globally possessing Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles (DSRVs), India's move aims to strengthen influence. Keen interest from countries like Singapore, South Africa, and Japan noted. India's DSRVs, stationed on both coasts, demonstrate self-reliance, shaped at the Hindustan Shipyard. The ongoing exercise involves 50+ nations conducting advanced naval drills, fostering cooperation and maritime security.

Japan has pledged a 232.21-billion-yen ($1.55 billion) Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for diverse projects in India, covering road connectivity, climate change, and horticulture. The funds will support crucial infrastructure ventures in North East India, including the Dhubri-Phulbari bridge and Chennai Peripheral Ring Road. Additionally, the loan aims to boost startup innovation in Telangana, sustainable horticulture in Haryana, and address climate change in Rajasthan. Notably, part of the funding will contribute to medical services in Nagaland and enhance urban water supply in Uttarakhand. The finance ministry confirmed these details, emphasizing Japan's commitment to India's development.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has stated, "The current relationship with Moscow is based on a stable and always very friendly relationship with Russia," during an interview with German newspaper Handelsblatt. He emphasized that Russia has never violated India's interests, despite its military aggression in Ukraine, and highlighted the stable nature of the bilateral ties. Jaishankar further explained, "The people I talk to today understand that you can’t completely ignore one part of a relationship." The diplomat also defended India's decision to buy Russian oil, stating, "If I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me."

India falls one position to 85th in the Henley Passport Index 2024, surprising given increased visa-free access to 62 countries, up from 60 in 2023. France claims the top spot with passport access to 194 countries. Neighbors Pakistan and Bangladesh secure 106th and 102nd positions, respectively. Notably, Maldives ranks 58th, surpassing India. The Henley Passport Index analyzes 19 years of data, highlighting a global shift. In 2006, people had visa-free access to an average of 58 countries; by 2024, that number nearly doubled to 111 countries, marking significant changes in global mobility.

Melvin Thomas, 32, an Indian-American originally from Kerala, was arrested in New Jersey for the murder of his 61-year-old father, Manuel V Thomas. The Paramus Police Department responded to a possible murder report on February 16, discovering Manuel's body in the basement two days after the incident. Melvin faces charges including first-degree murder and desecration of human remains. Residents were alarmed by the police response, as major crimes are rare in the area. Melvin, an alumnus of St Stephen’s College Uzhavoor, called the police himself. The nature of the relationship between the victim and the accused remains undisclosed.    

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Munich Security Conference, defended India's decision to continue buying Russian oil amid global tensions. Jaishankar asserted that having multiple options is a smart strategy and not a problem. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken smiled during the panel discussion as Jaishankar emphasized the complexities of international relationships. Jaishankar also highlighted India's strong ties with Western countries, positioning the nation as 'non-West' but not 'anti-West.' In 2023, Russia supplied over 35% of India's crude imports, totaling approximately 1.7 million barrels per day.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, stressed the need for a "permanent fix" to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Advocating for a two-state solution, Jaishankar highlighted the urgency of addressing terrorism and ensuring the security of both Israel and Palestine. He emphasized the Global South's stance against terrorism while underscoring the necessity of advancing towards a two-state solution without delay. Jaishankar's remarks, endorsed by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, underscored the imperative for sustainable humanitarian efforts and long-term resolution to prevent further escalation of violence.

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar engages with Canadian counterpart Melanie Joly during the 60th Munich Security Conference. The talks centered on the current state of strained bilateral ties between India and Canada. The meeting follows recent allegations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, accusing India of involvement in a 2023 killing. Jaishankar, in a social media post, highlights the importance of discussing global situations. The Munich Conference sees Jaishankar holding dialogues with various counterparts, including Germany, Argentina, Greece, the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and Peru.